8 Days Lemosho Route
Journey to the roof of africa with Ascend Tanzania
4.9/5
Lemosho
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8 Days Lemosho Route
Journey to the roof of africa with Ascend Tanzania
Ascend Tanzania LTD – Your Premier Local Experts in Kilimanjaro Adventures
The eight-day Lemosho trek stands out as a thoughtfully crafted itinerary for trekkers prioritizing a measured ascent up Kilimanjaro. This renowned option allows participants to acclimatize more effectively, minimizing challenges associated with higher altitudes. The extended duration on the trail affords trekkers ample time to adjust, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey. With strategic pacing and extended stays at key camps like Barranco and Karanga, the trek ensures a gradual acclimatization process. The descent via the Mweka Route completes this comprehensive and fulfilling adventure, offering a balanced and rewarding journey to Kilimanjaro's summit.
Offering Trek And Safari Tours For Over 13 Years
Experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro through the scenic Lemosho route, known for its stunning views and high success rate
After your breakfast and a briefing session, embark on a drive to Londorossi Park Gate, approximately a 3-hour journey. Once at the gate, access to Lemosho Glades is via a forest track, necessitating a 4WD vehicle. Proceed along forest trails to reach the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite.
After your breakfast, the journey persists as the path gradually inclines, venturing into the expansive heather moorland zone. Traverse numerous streams along the way before progressing over the Shira Ridge and gently descending towards Shira 1 camp, strategically situated by a serene stream on the Shira Plateau.
The day offers the opportunity to behold the Northern Ice fields from the mountain's western flank, providing unique perspectives of Kibo. Our gradual ascent through the Shira Plateau's moorland contributes to acclimatization while offering sweeping panoramic vistas. Our aim is to reach the Shira 2 Camp, our destination for the day. In the afternoon, engage in an acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Commencing your trek for the day, you'll embark on an ascent that unveils expansive panoramic vistas, progressing into the climatic zone of the upland desert and traversing the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. The pinnacle of your day's journey will be the distinct Lava Tower (4640 m), offering far-reaching views—a perfect spot to savor your lunch. In the afternoon, a steep descent awaits, leading to our camp for the night nestled in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m). Sheltered by towering cliffs, the camp provides both refuge and sweeping views of the plains below.
Our day commences with a descent into the expansive Great Barranco, navigating through a vast ravine. Exiting steeply, we ascend the formidable Great Barranco Wall, a rocky terrain that separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. While not technically challenging, the climb is lengthy and demanding. Progressing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we proceed towards the Karanga Valley. Following this, a steep ascent from the Karanga Valley leads us to our night's camp at Karanga Camp, situated at 3963m. For those seeking an extra challenge, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek is available, reaching approximately 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
After a peaceful night and a nourishing breakfast, our journey unfolds towards Barafu Camp at an elevation of 4640m. The trek spans desolate scree slopes, a challenging ascent intensified by the absence of vegetation and the effects of altitude. Upon reaching the camp, we refuel with a meal and allocate the afternoon for essential rest, preparing ourselves for the strenuous night and day ahead. Staying adequately hydrated and warm is crucial in this high-altitude environment. An early dinner sets the stage for a brief period of rest before we rise between 11pm and 12am, ready to embark on the final climb to the summit.
Early in the morning, typically between midnight and 2 am, our ascent to the summit continues, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Progressing in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through challenging scree terrain toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment constitutes the most mentally and physically demanding stretch of the trek. Upon reaching Stella Point, a brief rest is well-deserved, and you'll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise, an unparalleled spectacle. Those moving at a swifter pace might witness the sunrise directly from the summit. Beyond Stella Point, anticipate encountering snow on the approximately 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Following this triumph, our descent begins, leading us straight down to Mweka Camp with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles may prove beneficial for the loose gravel descent. As we arrive at Mweka Camp, we savor our final evening on the mountain.
Following breakfast, we proceed with our descent toward the Mweka Park Gate to obtain your well-earned summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain may become damp and muddy, making gaiters and trekking poles advisable. It's likely that shorts and t-shirts will suffice, but it's prudent to have rain gear and warmer clothing readily accessible. Upon reaching the Mweka gate, the Ascend Tanzania vehicle awaits, ready to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 60-minute drive.
Here's a quick breakdown of what’s covered in your Kilimanjaro trek—and what’s not.
One of the newer routes on Kilimanjaro, Lemosho is known for its pristine beauty and breathtaking views. It begins from the west and offers excellent acclimatization for trekkers.
Don't just take our word for it, take a look at our 400+ 5 star reviews!
TripAdvisor Reviews
March 2025
Amazing, do it.
"Ascend was great. Super easy to work with. Booking process was so easy, all done from my phone. Communication was really good. Cost was great. The group was very experienced. Ended up just being solo coincidentally. Spoke with my guide, Ola, who was awesome. Super informative and friendly. It felt like we talked about everything under the sun. I took the 6 day Machame route and the weather was great despite being on our way into the rainy season. The cook, Max, and porters Amadeus, Tobias, Ismael, and Paolo were all very friendly. I ate with them for a couple of lunches but otherwise was eating in my tent. Amadeus was also the waitet and was really attentive and did everything he could to make the trip go well. Max's cooking was great. I was a little stunned to get fresh fruit and vegetables. Those guys work hard! Landscapes were awesome - from the cultivation zone to rainforest, moorland, Arctic desert, and Arctic zone - each had its own appeal. Really beautiful, to say the least. Overall, it was well organized, safe, friendly, and fun."
February 2025
Amazing Experience!
"It was an incredible trip! I managed to summit the Kilimanjaro thanks to Ascend Tanzania. Super profesional-close team! The Customer Service (by WhatsApp) was great, the 2 guides (Sam and Goody) super supportive, the chef (James) fantastic (plenty of food and even he prepared a pizza for us) and, the rest of the crew (Shabani, Machame, Richi, ....) incredible! It was a great experience supported by a great company, Ascend Tanzania!"
September 2024
Thoroughly Recommended
"Made it to the top of Kilimanjaro with Ascend in September, really great trip. Ascend looked after is from airport to airport and even booked a safari for us after our climb. The climb itself was amazing, and expertly led by the Ascend guides, ably assisted by brilliant porters. It was great to see safety being a priority, and the food was good too. I went with a friend and they grouped us with another couple who were great company throughout. Thoroughly recommended."
January 2025
Enjoyed my climb with the Ascend team!
"Had such an amazing experience with the team. Before the climb, I was in contact with Syed via email and he was very swift and helpful with his responses. He arranged everything for me - from the airport transfers, to the gear rental and the hotel accommodation. I even had a change in tour dates and hotel but Syed and the team was very flexible with it, so I'm appreciative of that. The climbing team was remarkable. My guides Ola and Enock were very helpful and amazing. The porters, the waiter (hello Juma!! Best service ever!), the cook, the entire team made the climb memorable. It wasn't an easy climb, but they made sure we were well-fed, had plenty of food, and that we had a wonderful time. Also, Ascend Tanzania was also one of the more reasonably priced outfitters, which was within my budget. Will recommend!"
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences that make your adventure truly unforgettable.
Our IFMGA‑trained guides, certified Wilderness First Responders, and ethically treated porters accompany you step‑for‑step—sharing local insights, monitoring your health, and turning every stride into a story.
High‑altitude tents, four‑season sleeping bags, and full dining setups come standard. Need extras? Enjoy exclusive savings on pro‑grade rental gear, meticulously cleaned and inspected after every climb.
Twice‑daily pulse‑ox checks, private evacuation insurance, and industry‑approved protocols mean peace of mind—while hot meals, thick mattresses, and private toilets keep spirits high on the mountain.
Smart acclimatisation schedules, a 3:1 climber‑to‑staff ratio, and round‑the‑clock support have earned us a 98 % summit rate—well above the Kilimanjaro average.
We recognise every trekker’s fitness level is unique. Our guides adjust walking rhythm, rest stops, and motivation cues to match your pace, maximising comfort and summit chances.
Born in Moshi, run by Tanzanians. When you climb with Ascend Tanzania, you skip middle‑men fees and directly empower local communities with fair wages and sustainable practices.